What is the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST)?

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike other traditional grafting techniques, PST is incision and suture free, an obvious major positive element for many patients. All of the tools and techniques used to perform the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique were created by Dr. John Chao, and who trained our doctor. How does the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST) differ from the traditional method of gum grafting? Traditional gum recession treatments involve the use of donor tissue or soft tissue grafts in order to rebuild the gum line. This soft tissue would be then need to be sutured in place and would result in it joining with the existing gum tissue as it heals. While this traditional grafting treatment is no doubt effective, comparable results with better patient experience and a considerable amount less discomfort can be achieved through the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique. How is Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST) performed? During the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique, a needle is used to make a small hole in the patient’s existing gum tissue. Through this pinhole, special instruments are then used to gently loosen the gum tissue. These tools help to expand and then slide the gum line to cover the exposed root structure in question. There are no grafts, no sutures, and no incisions needed with the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique. It simply involves the adjustment of the existing tissue. This advancement has already done wonders for individuals that need this type of procedure done, but found themselves intimidated by the pain and discouraged by the cost. We are very excited and proud to be able to offer this technique to our patients, as it is our main goal to see all individuals make their dental health a priority, and the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique allows for that to happen much more easily.